The best pet trackers you can buy

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Whistle

The INSIDER Pick:

Pets can get lost or run away from home, so it's often a good idea to get some kind of pet tracker. Our favorite pet tracker for dogs and outdoor cats is the Whistle 3 because it's a great GPS tracker that clips right onto a collar to track your pet's location and activity.

Any pet owner will agree that pets are more than just companions, they are members of the family. When a pet goes missing, it induces the same level of terror and heartbreak that a missing child would. Though it may not be practical to plant a tracking device on your child, there are many pet trackers out there that can help you keep tabs on your dog or cat.

Pet trackers come in all shapes and sizes, and they utilize different types of technology. Many pet trackers utilize GPS technology to track your pet's movements and to show you his location within a certain radius. Some pet trackers incorporate additional benefits such as fitness or wellness tracking, and some implement training functions such as vibrations or gentle stimulation similar to a shock collar. There are even smart collars that can track your pet's vitals.

The best pet trackers on the market aren't cheap, so it definitely pays to do your homework to make sure you get the best model for your needs. Lucky for you, you don't have to do all that research yourself. We have researched the top pet trackers available to bring you our top picks.

The best pet tracker overall

Dogs and outdoor cats tend to come and go as they please, and not always according to a particular schedule. Even if you want to give your pet the freedom to roam outside, you still want to know that he is safe — that is where a GPS cat collar comes in. These collars use GPS software to track your dog or cat so you can know where he is at all times. There are many GPS collars on the market, but our top choice is the Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker.

The third generation of this product offers enhanced coverage and performance over previous versions. Unlike Bluetooth-only pet trackers, the Whistle 3 offers nationwide coverage with a combination of GPS and cellular technology. This tracker even allows you to track your pet's location over the past 24 hours and it will send you notifications when your pet leaves the safe zone you set up. The Whistle 3 is highly durable and waterproof, plus you can attach it to any collar up to 1-inch wide.

The well-regarded tech site PCMag gave the Whistle 3 high marks, its "Excellent" rating, and an Editor's Choice award for the best pet tracker because it's reliable, accurate, and suitable for most pets.

The Whistle GPS Pet Tracker was the top pick in GPS pet collars as rated by The SafeWise Report and it makes the top 10 list according to The Paw Tracker. The former speaks to the convenience and usability of the live-tracking GPS map and the activity monitoring app but also notes the paid service plan requirement. You will have to pay at least $6.95 a month to have access to that GPS signal.

Appcessories labels this GPS tracker one of the more affordable options on the market and speaks to the device's sleek, aesthetically pleasing design. Amazon users are generally pleased with this third-generation model, though there may still be some kinks to work out. You can try the Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker risk-free for 90 days to see how you like it.

The best affordable dog tracking GPS collar

If your dog likes to roam away from home, the Link AKC Smart Dog Collar will give you peace of mind. The collar has built-in GPS and activity tracking, so you know where your dog is and if he's exercising enough.

To use the GPS tracking, you have to pay for a service plan, which costs $9.95 per month, $95.40 for one year, or $166.80 for two years. Although it's expensive, the plan also comes with a three-year replacement warranty, support from the Pet Poison Hotline in the app, and the ability to upgrade your collar if your pup outgrows it.

The genuine leather collar comes in several sizes, including small (9 to 14 inches), medium (14 to 17.5 inches), large (17 to 21 inches), and XL (20.5 to 25 inches).

In addition to location and activity tracking, the Link collar has a remote-controlled light, so you can see your dog in the dark. The collar has some training features, which include app-controlled sounds. It supposedly keeps tabs on your dog's temperature, too, though PCMag said it didn't work in its testing. Overall, the reviewer liked this collar a lot, even though it is expensive.

Buyers on Amazon agree that the collar is worth the money, especially since it's made from leather. They also like the activity and location tracking, though some said they have syncing issues. — Malarie Gokey

The best high-end dog tracking GPS collar

Garmin

Why you'll love it: With powerful GPS and GLONASS tracking, the Garmin Alpha 100 GPS Pet Tracker monitors your dog in a nine-mile range, viewing his location and direction as well as his speed.

Many pet owners microchip their pets, just in case they ever get lost. A microchip will help identify your pet if he gets lost and someone finds him, but it won't help you locate your pet - a GPS pet tracker will. A GPS pet tracker not only allows you to locate your pet within a certain radius, but some models offer live-tracking in addition to other benefits. Our top choice for GPS pet trackers is the Garmin Alpha 100 GPS Pet Tracker.

Though initially designed for hunters who need to keep track of multiple dogs, the Garmin Alpha 100 GPS Pet Tracker is by far the most powerful and accurate pet tracker on the market and can be useful for the average dog owner as well. This tracker consists of a GPS-integrated collar with a handheld receiver that features a 3-inch color touch screen, preloaded with TOPO U.S. 100k mapping, as well as a rechargeable battery. Not only can you view your dog's location and direction, but the device will also tell you the speed at which he is traveling.

As a review from Top Dog Tips states, the Garmin Alpha 100 GPS Pet Tracker may be more powerful and more expensive than the average dog owner needs, but it is by far the most powerful tracking device available for pet owners. The Canine Journal names this tracker their top pick for sporting dogs, praising the device's ability to train and track multiple dogs in the field as well as the available 18 levels of continuous and momentary stimulation for training purposes. This tracker only has 45 reviews on Amazon, but it has a 4.5-star rating.

Purchase the Garmin Alpha 100 GPS Pet Tracker for $799.99 with no subscription plan necessary. When you purchase the device on Amazon, you also receive a free 1-year subscription to BirdsEye.

Cons: May not be ideal for very small dogs, user interface takes time to get used to, screen could be larger for easier viewing, very high purchase price, battery only lasts 20 to 40 hours, collar may be too large for everyday wear

The best pet tracker for fitness

FitBark

Why you'll love it: Designed for the sole purpose of monitoring your pet's activity, the FitBark is easy to use and offers a variety of useful features.

If you wanted to track your activity and monitor your fitness, you would probably purchase a Fitbit or another fitness tracker. Though a Fitbit might not work for your pet, there are some pet-specific fitness trackers on the market that offer the same benefits. Our top choice for pet fitness trackers is the FitBark because it is specifically designed as a pet activity monitor and it performs well.

Not only is the FitBark specifically designed to function as an activity monitor, but it is also one of the smallest monitors on the market which makes it great for pets of all sizes. The monitor works with all standard collars up to 30mm wide and it features a rugged, fully waterproof design. The FitBark syncs easily with your smartphone via Bluetooth so you can view your pet's data or share it directly with your veterinarian.

The Canine Journal calls the FitBark the easiest pet activity monitor to use and also notes that it is one of the smaller and more attractive activity monitors on the market. This monitor makes the top ten list for Heavy. The site speaks to the device's industry-leading battery life as well as its waterproof durability - you can even recharge the battery without removing it from the collar. Another feature that makes this tracker unique is that it compares your pet's activity with that of similar pets so you have a better idea of what is and is not normal.

You can buy the FitBark in five different colors for just $69.95 with no monthly subscription required and no additional upfront fees. It comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty.

Pros: Specifically designed as an activity monitor, small lightweight design for pets of all sizes, available in 5 different colors, fits over an existing collar, durable waterproof design, syncs to smartphones with Bluetooth 4.0 technology, battery lasts up to 14 days, no monthly fees or subscriptions

Cons: Requires a Bluetooth connection, doesn't offer GPS tracking, not intended for extended submersion in water, not designed to withstand chewing

The best pet tracker for cats

Pawtrack

Why you'll love it: Designed for cat owners by cat owners, the Pawtrack offers GPS and Wi-Fi for indoor and outdoor tracking with coverage in 171 countries.

While many pet trackers seem to be optimized for dogs, there are a few pet trackers designed specifically for cats. These trackers are designed for smaller pets and many of them offer greater accuracy as to your cat's specific location than traditional GPS collars. Our top choice in pet trackers for cats is the Pawtrack GPS Tracker. This device allows you to track multiple cats on demand, accessing tracking data from your smartphone or tablet. You can set geofences and receive notifications when your cat goes out of bounds, and you'll receive an alert when the battery is low.

Not only does the Pawtrack utilize global GPS technology to track your cat outdoors, but it uses a Wi-Fi connection to track your cat indoors as well. The tracker itself is integrated into a soft, flexible collar that comes in three sizes for optimal comfort and it is equipped with an elasticated safety buckle in case your cat gets it caught on something.

Though the battery lasts up to 3 days and recharges within 2 hours, it boasts a power-saving feature that shuts down tracking when your cat is stationary then restarts when you cat is on the move. It is also equipped with infrared technology that sends you an alert if the collar should come loose or fall off.

Named the top pet tracker for cats by TechRadar, the Pawtrack uses GPS to track your cat outdoors and Wi-Fi for indoor tracking. The newest version of the tracker offers coverage in 171 countries and records your cat's position every six minutes and stores up to 30 days of data on the device. Techcrunch mentions valuable features like an elasticated safety buckle and a unique design that is difficult for your cat to remove. It is fully integrated into three sizes of collars for small to large cats.

The Pawtrack costs $150 and comes with three months of free tracking. After that, you pay just $5.99 per month for coverage or you can save 25% by paying annually. Prices differ in the UK, Canada, and other covered countries.

Pros: Coverage in 171 different countries, GPS tracking outdoors and Wi-Fi at home, integrated into a soft flexible collar for comfort, elasticated safety buckle, battery-saving technology, infrared detection if the cat loses the collar, set geofences and receive notifications, low-battery alert, comes with two batteries so you can charge one at a time

Cons: Requires a monthly subscription plan, may be a little big on very small cats, collar is splash-proof but not fully waterproof, smallest collar may be too small for kittens

The best of everything for your dog

Shutterstock

To give your dog the best of everything, you can also check out our guides for a bunch of other necessities for your pup. Below, we've included links to other dog-related buying guides. Click on the title to read the full guide, or click on the link to buy our top pick.

Whether you are looking for a bite-sized indulgence or a healthy treat for training your dog, our top picks for dog treats will please your pup. Loaded with real meat and irresistible flavor, Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Treats are the perfect choice for any dog.

Dogs tend to get messy and sometimes they run afoul of skunks or pick up other nasty smells. That's where dog shampoo comes to save the day. The Earthbath All Natural Vanilla & Almond Pet Shampoo is the best of the best with its all-natural formula that cleans and deodorizes without irritating your dog's sensitive skin.

It's easy for your dog to get fleas, so you'll want to protect your pup with the best flea prevention products. Of all the flea treatment pills, sprays, shampoos, and collars out there, Frontline Plus is the best. It's easy to apply and offers a full 30 days of protection to kill both fleas and ticks.

Every dog deserves a comfy, cushy bed to sleep on, and our top pick is the DogBed4Less Orthopedic Memory Foam dog bed. This durable, comfortable, waterproof memory foam dog bed comes in a range of sizes, so you and your dog are sure to love it.

We've tested some of the most popular dog toys on the market and scoured reviews to come up with our top pick, the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball. Affordably priced and durably constructed, this interactive dog toy wobbles, bounces, and giggles to keep your dog occupied for hours on end.

Your dog deserves high-quality food that's nutritious and healthy. Orijen makes the best dog food you can buy with the freshest regional ingredients. Every recipe is packed with protein, limited in carbohydrates, and loaded with natural flavor.

Every dog needs a good collar that will keep him comfy on long walks and hold his ID tags. Of all the dog collars out there, the Lupine Original Dog Collar is our top pick with its heavy-duty design, big range of colors, multiple sizes, and its lifetime guarantee that even covers chewing.

We've reviewed all of the best dog leashes on the market, and our top pick is the Max and Neo Reflective Nylon Leash. This leash is constructed from durable but lightweight nylon to handle dogs of all sizes.

Dog crates are great for keeping your pup out of trouble when you're gone from home, and dogs love to curl up in them for a nap. With its heavy-gauge, powder-coated steel wire construction, the MidWest Ultima Pro Folding Crate is our top pick. Not only is it highly durable and easy to clean, but you can use it for dogs of all ages and sizes.

The best of everything for your cat

4Claws

If you have a cat, you'll also want to check out our buying guides for all the other necessities.

The best litter boxes

Cats are known for being clean and self-sufficient. All they need is a good litter box to take care of business. Completely automatic and self-cleaning, the Litter Robot III Open Air Automatic Litter Box is compatible with any premium clay clumping cat litter, and it's ideal for multiple-cat households.

With its durable, high-quality construction and excellent safety features, the Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier is our top pick for cat carriers. Not only will your cat be traveling in style, but he'll be safe, secure, and comfortable throughout the entire trip.

Hairballs are inevitable for cats, and if your feline is extra fluffy, it may be a chronic problem. Luckily, there are plenty of great hairball remedies, medicines, and prevention tools out there. Our top pick is Tomlyn Tuna Flavor Laxatone Gel, which gently lubricates your cat's digestive tract to relieve hairball-related constipation and to prevent the formation of hairballs in the future.

Cats are picky about the litter in their boxes, so it's important to choose a formula that's healthy for your cat and easy to clean. Our top pick is the Precious Cat Ultra-Premium Clumping Litter because it's a hard-clumping litter that traps liquids and odor without generating tons of dust.

Cats need to scratch, so to save your sofa and your curtains, you need a sturdy cat scratcher or scratching post. In our research, the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is the best of the bunch because it offers the ideal combination of functionality and durability without detracting from your home décor.

We've poured over reviews for the best cat toys on the market to come up with our top pick, the Bergan Turbo Scratcher. Despite its simple design, this toy will activate your cat's instincts for play while keeping your furniture safe from his sharp claws.

Cats love to sleep in the weirdest places, but sometimes they just want a nice bed to curl up in. There are all kinds of cat beds out there, but the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is our top pick with its unique dual-purpose design as a scratcher and a nice big cat bed your kitty can stretch out on.

Cats like to drink fresh running water, so a cat fountain is a great way to encourage them to stay hydrated. The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is the best one you can buy with its free-falling stream, generous basin, integrated filtration system, and adjustable flow control for maximum freshness.

Cats need lots of protein and fat in their diets to be healthy, so it's important that you feed them the best cat food you can buy: ZiwiPeak's wet food. Packed with premium ingredients that are ethically farmed and locally sourced, ZiwiPeak sets a new standard for quality when it comes to nutrient-rich cat food.

Cat treats can be a reward for good behavior, a way to clean your cat's teeth, or a supplement to their diet. Of all the cat treats we tested with our feline friends, the PureBites Freeze-Dried Cat Treats are our top pick because they're made with real meat to satisfy your cat.

Fleas are no fun for your cat, but luckily, it's easy to get rid of those pesky pests. The best flea control product for cats is Bayer Advantage II, a monthly topical preventive that guards against fleas in all life stages, is highly effective, easy to apply, and completely waterproof.

Cats can wear collars, too, and if you have an outdoor cat, it's good to have a collar with ID tags. The Rogz Catz Breakaway Cat Collar is the best one you can buy with its long-lasting durability, adjustable design, and important safety features like its reflective surface and a breakaway safety buckle.

If you want to see more from Insider Picks, we're collecting emails for an upcoming newsletter. You'll be the first to hear about the stuff we cover. Click here to sign up . Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Business Insider's Insider Picks team. We aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting, and if you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about? Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.